Art & culture

(Two weeks with a North Island focus)

A young nation, New Zealand’s blend of art and culture is a fascinating progression. In Rotorua, reach back hundreds of years in one evening and experience traditional Maori life and custom. Enjoy the charm of a living yesteryear whilst cruising Napier’s Art Deco streets. At Auckland’s urban coffee shops access working artists’ collections, and meet the artists who create them. Just as your seaplane flies you onwards, inspiration carries you through to Nelson’s Creative Pathway.

All accommodation as follows

2 nights The Boatshed*, Waiheke Island The intimate island-style luxury hotel is a family business, and embodies casual elegance by the sea. Standing above Oneroa Beach’s white sands, all the designer suites have panoramic ocean views. Each is luxuriously appointed with day beds, fireplace, private deck, and a bottle of wine ready to open.
2 nights De Bretts Hotel, Auckland
2 nights Paihia Beach Hotel, Bay of Islands
1 night Treetops*, Rotorua Amidst centuries old native forest luxurious Treetops Lodge & Estate offers a game reserve, seven trout streams, four lakes, hiking trails, mountain biking and horse riding. Its elegant architectural style is derived from New Zealand’s pioneering past. Timber and stone echo the simple beauty of the great outdoors. Wake to the chorus of native birdcalls and the forest buzzing with life.
2 nights Greenhill Lodge, Hawkes Bay
2 nights The Wellesley Hotel, Wellington
2 nights Villa 10, Nelson

Other details

Full gourmet breakfast provided daily
Pre-dinner drinks, canapés and three-course dinner provided on night of arrival at The Boatshed and all nights at Greenhill Lodge and Treetops
Selected lodge activities included
Selected beverages included

All activities as follows

Heli transfer from Auckland International Airport to Waiheke Island
Potiki Adventures: Urban Maori Experience*
Tamaki Cultural Experience: Traditional Maori village, food and dance* Tamaki Heritage Experiences present The Chronicles of Uitara an award-winning re-enactment based on real characters and events. Guests approach an ancient Maori village and, guided by The Storyteller, come face to face with a sect of Maori warriors. Share in ancient ceremonies of welcome and farewell, and experience the lifestyles and warrior traditions of pre-European Maori. An amazing experience culminating in a traditional and delicious hangi feast.
Bertie’s Classic Car Art Deco Tour* See Art Deco outside Napier's City Centre on this one-hour tour. Travelling in a beautifully restored vintage Buick or Packard visit the remarkable National Tobacco Company Building, the Deco houses and gardens of Marewa suburb, and the grand Edwardian Hawke's Bay Club. The entertaining and informative Bertie (or associate) will provide guidance and amusement.
Afternoon cruise aboard a Mission Hill luxury motor yacht* The elegant Italian designed and built motor yacht is the perfect way to see and enjoy the sights of the remote Cavalli Island. Swim in the Bay of Islands’ clear waters, snorkel, dive, jet-ski or do nothing at all but relax on deck and catch some sun.
Couples spa treatment at La Spa Naturale
Hawke’s Bay wine tour
One day Mini Moke dune buggy car hire* Initially designed as a light military vehicle, the Mini Moke achieved cult-like status as a beach buggy. A fun mode of transportation – Waiheke Island is perfect ‘Moke’ terrain!
Two day Nelson car hire: Drive The Creative Pathway
Floatplane* transfer from Wellington to Nelson via Marlborough Sounds for lunch The Cessna floatplane, a timeless mode of adventure travel, leaves Wellington for the picturesque Marlborough Sounds and weaves through the scenery to land on the waters of the Bay of Many Coves. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the exclusive luxury resort accessible only by air, then lift off from its teal green waters to fly on to Nelson.
Air NZ flights: AKL - Keri Keri return; AKL- Napier, Napier–Wellington, Nelson-AKL

* For Dreams of Inspiration

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